Graduation at Canine Companions is a special moment in which our clients with disabilities travel across the stage to officially become one team with their new service dogs after a specialized two-week training. It marks the beginning of new human-canine journeys and a lifetime of enhanced independence.
On Friday, August 11, 2023, more Labrador and Golden Retriever crosses will graduate to start their destined careers as service dogs. Click here to watch graduation ceremonies.
Graduation ceremonies are held at each of our six regions across the country – in California, Florida, New York, Ohio and Texas. Open to the public, this celebration happens four times a year, once every quarter, which the community can participate by attending in person or by watching the livestream.
With these new partnerships, children, adults and veterans with disabilities are empowered to lead their lives with greater freedom and confidence. Most recently, our client, Grace, and her Canine Companions service dog Justin, graduated from Seton Hall University, moving one step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming an elementary school educator in special education. Click here to read more about Grace and service dog Justin.
Details on graduations can be found on the graduation page, including videos of most recent ceremonies.
News coverage from media outlets:
- CBS | Texas: Service Dogs Graduate With Top Honors
- News 12 | Long Island: Three Service Dogs Graduate From Canine Companions Veterans Program
- The Coast News | San Diego: Service Dogs, Handlers Graduate From Canine Companions
- PBS | San Diego: Canine Companions Graduate and Get Matched With Forever Families